New use for Burgdorf Castle
The canton of Bern wants to contribute a total of CHF 9.4 million for the conversion of Burgdorf Castle. In addition to the existing museums, a youth hostel, a restaurant and a wedding and ceremony venue are to be set up in the castle. The total costs for the conversion amount to CHF 14.2 million, according to a statement by the canton.
Burgdorf Castle is one of the four cantonal castles of national importance. Because it is no longer used by the canton since the reform of the decentralized cantonal administration, the canton offered it for sale to the town of Burgdorf. However, the city rejected the purchase offer.
In order to find a suitable solution for the use of the castle, an evaluation procedure was carried out to preserve the castle as a cultural monument open to the public. The winner was the "open Burgdorf Castle" project, which envisages the operation of a youth hostel, a restaurant and a wedding and ceremony venue. The existing museums with educational and mediation offers are to be continued and their use optimized.
If the Grand Council approves the contributions, the Canton of Berne will hand over Burgdorf Castle to the "Burgdorf Castle Foundation", which the town of Burgdorf has yet to establish. The foundation will take over the castle with all associated buildings as a dedication and will be fully responsible for the maintenance and operation of the castle in the future. (ah)
